Previewing the 2009 Minnesota Twins: Intro/Infield

It started with Livan Hernandez, was jeopardized with the longest road trip in franchise history and ended, perhaps unjustifiably, at U.S. Cellular Field.

Those three moments may be the three most disappointing events in the 2008 Minnesota Twins season.

But things change overnight in baseball. Hernandez was nothing more than a trend; Francisco Liriano quickly filled the vacancy, and he may be starting on Opening Day.

We may never see a road trip that long again; or at the very least another four years. And the coin-flip rule was changed after the Twins (10-8 head-to-head against the White Sox) were placed at a disadvantage before the playoff even started.

And thus, another "summer of stun" as KFAN personality Paul Allen affectionately coins it, begins in a little more than a week.

Perhaps what gets lost in another off-season with few notable signings, isn't what is happening, but what's not happening.

Last season, the Twins traded away a two-time Cy Young award winner for little immediate value, let go a Gold Glove center fielder, and traded a front of the rotation starter with nasty stuff and a clubhouse catalyst for a surly outfielder with Vlad Guerrero POTENTIAL. And they prospered nonetheless.

This off-season, nothing of the sort happened. Insignificant losses, insignificant gains, and a year of maturity under a young team's belt leads to one question.

SS - To Whom It May Concern

(Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/G

Perhaps Nick Punto is thrust into this spot with the signing of a two-year deal this off-season.

But you would hope that with time, he would be usurped and he would resume his utility role because his offensive skill set, as seen in his nightmare '07 season, just isn't up to par with everyday players.

Among the candidates are Matt Tolbert, who flashed some potential last season; Brendan Harris, who would only give a marginal offensive edge and a steep defensive drop off; and Matt Macri, who is a below-average utility infielder.

Orlando Cabrera is still on the market and would come at a significantly lower monetary price, but would cost the Twins a first-round draft pick, and that is where the idea ends.

If Punto can have a replica of '08 with a handful more doubles, many will be satisfied.

3B - Harris/Buscher/Crede?

One of the scariest things seen this offseason may be GM Bill Smith saying that he is content with a platoon of Brendan Harris and Brian Buscher at third base entering 2009.

That's not to say that the two aren't a sufficient fix for a short period of time, but to make a significant run, the Twins may need the position to step up and give some offensive production.

It transitions perfectly into what then seems like a no-brainer signing: Joe Crede. Gold Glove defense, significant power, and spot as a number five hitter that would fit all too well in a lineup seeking continued success after the terrific first four.

But it's not yet a reality.

The Twins are afraid to commit $5 million to a injury-ridden player whose back wouldn't exactly thrive on artificial turf. And so we can only hope that Crede improves enough to assure the front office that it is in 'the best interest of the team'.